'Our Indian friends in safe hands': Iran on Hormuz blockade
What's the story
The Iranian Embassy in India has sought to reassure Indian nationals about the Strait of Hormuz, which has been partially blocked by Iran since the war started. The embassy posted a message on social media saying, "Our Indian friends are in safe hands, no worries." According to the International Maritime Organization, over 2,000 ships are currently stranded in the region due to Iran's partial blockade of the strait.
Energy impact
Iran has allowed passage to 'friendly nations'
Only a few vessels from friendly countries have been allowed to pass. Iran has permitted "friendly nations," including India, China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan, passage through this critical route, through which 20 percent of the world's energy is transported. Other ships have diverted to the Suez Canal or took the considerably longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in Southern Africa to bring goods to Asia and Europe.
Shipping update
19 Indian ships stranded in the strait
So far, at least eight Indian ships have exited the Strait of Hormuz, including two LPG carriers carrying a combined cargo of about 94,000 tons. However, 19 ships carrying LPG, crude oil and LNG for India remain stranded in the strait. This includes foreign-flagged vessels with energy cargo for India and Indian-flagged vessels such as LPG tankers and crude oil tankers.
Control assertion
Money paid to pass Strait of Hormuz
According to maritime intelligence website Lloyd's List, only a small number of ships have sailed across the strait after gaining permission from Tehran. The Lloyd's List claimed that one ship paid $2 million for the right to transit. Iranian MPs this week approved legislation to charge transit fees across the strait, according to Iran's Fars News Agency.